Chinese owner is fully committed, club spokesperson underlines, and explains the connection between the Chinese company and the club.

Gao Jisheng is no different to Southampton’s previous owner, and clear message is sent about profits being made at the club.

Southampton-owner Gao Jisheng remains committed to the club, according to a club spokesperson, despite restricting his business interests in China and selling enough shares in his real estate company to relinquish a controlling stake.

Jisheng has offloaded a substantial number of shares in Lander Sports, the real estate company he founded in China.

However offthepitch.com was told that the share sale is unlikely to have any effect on Southampton.